Another Purple Heron and the first Red-rumped Swallow.

As I entered the sea watch hide first thing this morning, AJG who was already there shook his head and said don't bother. Fortunately before I could settle, a message from OL Purple Heron on the reserve, it was the excuse we needed to leave the sea. As we turned into the ARC car park BP was in the entrance and pointing towards the water tower where the Purple Heron was flying away from us with a Grey Heron in pursuit.

Over the ARC a few each of Swallows Sand Martins and Swifts, a wander to the hayfields produced Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits, a Hobby, the usual warblers and 5 Whimbrel. At Hookers to pairs of Great Crested Grebes had no holds barred territorial battle.

 Squaring up!

 Let battle commence!

 At Scotney 3 first summer Little Gulls, a Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 26 Avocets, 20+ Yellow Wagtails, 6 Corn Buntings and more Hirundines and Swifts.

 Swallows and Sand Martins at Scotney.

 Poor images of the Red-rumped Swallow at Lade this afternoon.

Late afternoon PT found a Red-rumped Swallow at Lade among c50 Hirundines and Swifts. It performed fairly well and was my 180th marsh tick for the year. Unfortunately the light was awful, thats my excuse for such poor images.